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PlayStation Move [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 09/20/2010 - 15:59
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Overall Feeling: 

It may still only be an infant, but the long term potential of the PlayStation Move already looks good. The PlayStation Move provides excellent motion tracking that features no lag or iffy pointer situations that will leave gamers angry. Aside from getting the calibrations set, the PS Eye provides a flawless experience that is actually beneficial to games. The moniker of the PS Move being a Wii rip-off may not subside anytime soon, but the device certainly surpasses the Wii in some respects and as a whole provides gaming experiences that are completely original.

The Pros: 

The controller is extremely comfortable to hold. From a tech perspective the PS Move lives up to its potential as I didn’t encounter any major lag or control issues. The 1:1 motion tech truly is amazing to see in action especially for the games available in Sports Champions. Design wise the PS Move is once again a sharp looking piece of hardware from the gurus at Sony.

The Cons: 

The placement of the face buttons takes a while to get used to. Setting up the PlayStation Eye may be a pain for some as a clip/stand isn’t provide to place the Eye atop the TV. The wrist strap could be a bit bigger.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
9

Last year the rumors were ablaze that Sony would be entering the motion control market, specifically to battle the Nintendo Wii.  After seeing countless patents that pointed to such a thing, we were officially introduced to Sony’s foray into the motion control market at E3 2010.  The device, which was unnamed and didn’t have the immediate snazzy appeal of Microsoft’s showing of Project Natal, was far and away a success based on the potential it showed.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 15:55
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Overall Feeling: 

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is pretty much a Spider-Man fans video game dream come true. The game has an amazing roster of villains, a story that fully captures the essence of the character and gameplay that is fun and extremely rewarding. Developer Beenox has executed a perfect rendition of the Spider-Man universe has an incredible amount of detail and it’s clear that a lot of love was put into the project. For anyone who digs superhero games or is a Spider-Man fan in particular you owe it to yourself to give Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions a shot.

The Pros: 

Each of the different Spider-Man dimensions is a blast to play. The combat is fun and actually has a nice flow to it. The writing is the definition of comic book goodness and really captures the perfect Spider-Man vibe within the dialogue. Visually the game can be stunning at times through the epic boss battles or sheer scale of the levels. The voice acting from pros like Neil Patrick Harris (NPH 4 life!) and David Kaye makes this a very memorable Spider-Man adventure.

The Cons: 

The web-slinging isn’t bad but could use a little extra refinement. Locking onto enemies during combat can be a bit hit-or-miss. The Amazing Spider-Man dimension could’ve benefited from having a more pronounced gameplay feature. A few of the platforming sections in the later stages require such exact precision that it’s a tad bit annoying.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

Even though he’s one of the most beloved comic book characters of all time, our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man hasn’t exactly gotten the video game adaptations he deserves.  Things definitely started out strong back in the day as Spider-Man for the original PlayStation became an instant classic thanks to its mix of villains and overall mission variety.  Sadly Spider-Man didn’t exactly get a stellar PS1 follow-up and we had to wait until the PS2 for our next offering of web head goodness.  After getting a somewhat below average film tie-in for the first Spider-Man film we go

Batman: The Brave and the Bold [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 08:39
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Overall Feeling: 

Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a simple side-scrolling action game that’s straight up fun. Fans of the cartoon will love how faithful the game is to the show and appreciate being able to literally control and interactive version of it. Batman: The Brave and the Bold may not offer a ton of new things to the side-scrolling genre but based on how stylish and fun it is there’s no need for new-fangled mechanics to be added since the game perfectly encapsulates the slightly goofy side of Batman.

The Pros: 

Gameplay is simple yet highly fun and is made more so by the boss battles. The overall style for the game is fantastic and is a 1:1 match of that found in the TV show. Just like the show, the voice acting is perfect and perfectly captures that tongue-in-cheek vibe.

The Cons: 

The roster of additional heroes to play as is a bit small. Certain upgrades are priced a bit too high and it takes awhile to accumulate the required funds. It would’ve been interesting if the game included a few mini-games to break up the constant beat ‘em up action.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

When people think of the iconic comic book character Batman they immediately conjure the image of the brooding superhero also known as the Dark Knight.  Ever since his inception in 1939, Batman has been known as a rather serious character.

Resident Evil: Afterlife [Movie Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 09:18
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Overall Feeling: 

Resident Evil: Afterlife is by far the most cohesive RE movie release so far. The film does a nice job of balancing certain elements from the video games while injecting them into the film world occupied by Alice. Featuring 3D effects that are good and aren’t too gimmicky, the action is good and for once the script isn’t terrible or ill-conceived. Resident Evil: Afterlife may not be the RE film that gives us a 1:1 match of the video games but it accomplishes enough to stand on its own merits.

The Pros: 

The action is so over-the-top that it’s hard not to be amused and entertained, especially keeping in mind what has been presented in the RE video games. Director/writer Paul W.S. Anderson does a nice job with managing the action and for once the script won’t induce constant head shaking while viewing. No shaky cams during action scenes = YAY! The 3D effects are decent and don’t feel too gimmicky. The music from tomandandy is worthy of buying from iTunes.

The Cons: 

It would’ve been nice if there was more character development for characters like Alice and Chris Redfield. The 3D effects are executed well but it would’ve been nice if they were used a bit more naturally instead of being so in your face at times. The middle section of the film drags a bit. While the action is plentiful, the film could’ve benefitted from one more “boss battle” type action scene. Did the movie really have to end on another cliffhanger?

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
7

For having stories that are often full with various cinematic homages or plots that are ripe for a live-action retelling, the Resident Evil film franchise hasn’t exactly lived up to its potential so far.  The three Resident Evil films that have hit cinemas in the past eight years haven’t been on the same horrific level as other video game adaptations such as Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li but they’re still not the same masterpieces of zombie action goodness that fans of the games have been wishing for.  A major source for some of the fan outcry with the Resident Evil movies

Gunblade NY & LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:25
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Overall Feeling: 

The Gunblade NY and LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack is a terrific product that encapsulates a prime era in both the history of arcade gaming and Sega as a company. With gameplay that’s still addicting to this day and a perfect price point of $29, anyone who has a passion for arcade gaming and that owns a Wii should pick up this combo of awesome since it’s the epitome of timeless arcade gaming.

The Pros: 

Both games offer an amazing amount of fun. The visuals may not be awe-inspiring but they look good from a retro perspective (yes mid 90s arcade gaming is now retro -_-). Online leader boards and bonus weapon abilities add even more replayability to both games.

The Cons: 

It would’ve been nice if Sega perhaps added another mode or included an entirely new adventure mode exclusive to the Wii.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
9

When it comes to video games, Sega is probably known for two things in particular: the widely popular blue hedgehog Sonic and the plethora of arcade games the company has released in the past 25 years. While the arcade industry has all but waned in the wake of console gaming, the late 80s and 90s were a tremendous highlight of Sega’s talent when it came to producing a quality arcade game.  With classics such as Outrun, Virtua Fighter and Virtual On, Sega cranked out arcade games that were beloved by all, and still to this day hold a place close to the hearts of many gamers.

Mafia II [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 08:36
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Overall Feeling: 

For a market flooded with crime based action games and sandbox/open-world games, Mafia II has lived up to its core potential of delivering a memorable period based mafia epic. With an experience that is well-rounded and executed well, the game doesn’t have many weak points aside from one chapter at the mid-point and a few small gameplay and story issues. Don’t let the 1940s setting fool you into thinking Mafia II isn’t as good as GTA as it certainly is.

The Pros: 

Amazing atmosphere created in part by the acting, music and visuals. Most of the missions are exciting and often intense. Both the hand-to-hand combat and gun battles have a nice visceral and realistic feel to them. The world of Empire Bay is beautiful and so are the vehicles. The original score ranks as one of the best game soundtracks I’ve heard this year.

The Cons: 

Certain aspects of the story could’ve been fleshed out or pushed further. Cover mechanics are slightly awkward. It would’ve been nice if there was at least one side activity in the game instead of just searching for Playboy magazines. Some of the mission checkpoints are spread too far apart. The ending is a bit too abrupt.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

As I drive along the snow laden streets of Empire Bay listening to a nice medley on the radio I feel a certain level of apprehension. My destination is located in a sketchy part of the city, more so than the parts of the Bay I’m familiar with, and the task at hand is far from being legal. Stealing a car can sometimes be an easy thing but when you’re stealing a gorgeous high-end car from an African-American gang, things could go a bit haywire.  After slowly jumping a fence to enter the target destination, I’m immediately faced with a fist-fight, of which I easily win.

Shank [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 16:22
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Overall Feeling: 

Shank is a game with terrific art design that’s well produced but doesn’t have everything at optimum levels as far the gameplay side of things is concerned. Klei has laid down a good foundation for the side-scrolling action of Shank, but things don’t feel as entirely fleshed out as they could be and ultimately the last few stages get really repetitive. Despite the gameplay issues, Shank still feels like a fresh experience in the side-scrolling genre and should be checked out by those looking for an entertaining brawler.

The Pros: 

The comic book/cartoon inspired art design is amazing, both in the cutscenes and the in-game visuals. Shank has a nice arsenal of weapons at his disposal which are all fun to use. Even though it’s short, the co-op mode is fun. Fun boss battles all of which surpass the standard run and gun mechanics.

The Cons: 

Combat doesn’t feel as deep as it could be. The slight button input delay can be slightly annoying at times. The game gets really repetitive towards the end with only a few standout sections. Unless you look online, the game doesn’t tell you what the criteria are for unlocking the bonus costumes.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
7

Most games these days often rely on style over substance. Of course such a thing is to be expected at times since video games are often meant to be showpieces of amazing graphics and awe-inspiring art design.  That’s not to say every video game follows the Michael Bay mantra of “blow sh!t up, have cool camera angles and everything else is just fluff” but that’s most often the case these days.  Klei Entertainment’s side-scrolling brawler Shank is a game that’s high on the style and originality department.

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 08/23/2010 - 21:53
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Overall Feeling: 

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is a game that takes no prisoners on all fronts. Featuring a hard-edged story that is acted wonderfully, the game may not take the gameplay risks or feature the improvements one would hope for but it’s still a blast to play. Aside from a lack of variety in the campaign mode and a few issues concerning the amount of action, K&L2 is an exceptional action game whose originality and implementation of special camera effects should be applauded.

The Pros: 

The story is tight and the acting is beyond amazing. While the levels may not be filled with original set-pieces, the tension is still high which makes for entertaining battles. Shanghai is recreated with an insane amount of detail which really sets the tone for the game. The post-processing camera effects add a lot of character to the game and are really cool. All the online modes are fun to play despite the small learning curve.

The Cons: 

Most of the missions follow the same structure which gets a tad boring eventually. Enemies at times take too many bullets to take down and have slightly stiff animations. Game is short and can be completed rather fast when playing with a buddy.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

When it comes to most video game sequels, we often expect a small gradual improvement.  Most of the time developers and publishers feel no need to reinvent things drastically since they already have a proven formula.  This often leads to games that merely feel like 1.5 versions instead of a proper sequel that actually moves things forward in every department.  There are of course games that are exceptions to that rule such as Uncharted 2 which take the core formula but amp it up to such an incredible level that it feels like you’re experiencing the franchise for the first tim

Tekken: The Movie [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 07:47
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Overall Feeling: 

Instead of coming across as a high-powered action movie, Tekken: The Movie is an absolute bore that feels and looks like a bad syndicated TV show. The film has the characters and themes from the Tekken games but fails to stay true to them which makes the movie even more disappointing. With lackluster action scenes, the only reason to watch Tekken: The Movie is if you want to see a bad move to riff on MSTK-3000 style.

The Pros: 

Some of the acting and production values are hilariously bad so there’s something to goof on. It’s admirable that some of the costumes stay true to the look established in the video games. There are quite a few shots that feature the ass crack of an attractive lady so if that’s your type of thing then you’ll dig that. Seeing certain characters come to life such as Yoshimitsu is almost cool.

The Cons: 

Both the writing and the re-imagined nature of the movie are quite horrendous. Some of the acting is a bit stiff, even for a martial arts movie. Actions scenes are rather disappointing, mainly due to poor directing. The teaser ending is lame and lacks a true impact.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
3

Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved martial arts movies. I don’t know what it was that captured my attention as a lad but seeing dudes jump around and perform amazing physical feats just captured my imagination.  That love of martial arts of course carried over into my main passion and hobby, the world of video games.  Obviously I’m not the only person who was bitten by the martial arts bug as a child which is why there’s almost a never ending supply of straight up 1v1 brawlers or crazy beat-em-up video games.

Clash of the Titans: The Video Game [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Thu, 08/12/2010 - 09:41
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Overall Feeling: 

Clash of the Titans: The Video Game is an epic waste of time to play. Those who enjoyed the movie are likely to be burned by a game that is extremely dull and fails to capture the Greek mythology essence. Even those looking for a mindless action game are sure to be disappointed by a combat engine that feels like it belongs in a PS1 game.

The Pros: 

There’s laughter to be had by some of the bad voice acting and production values. Smashing skeletons to pieces is mildly entertaining for the first twenty minutes.

The Cons: 

Visually unimpressive in almost every way, especially the lifeless cutscenes. The combat lacks a spark and doesn’t offer much we haven’t seen before. Most of the missions and levels are extremely boring.

ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
4

Being an avid gamer, I like to support as many games as I can, whether they’re big budget AAA titles or lesser known IPs/indie games. Sometimes my openness to support a game, not necessarily hyping it up to others, can backfire on me in such an ugly way that I can’t help but feel like an ass.  One such game that my anticipation of has completely punched me in the gut is the game adaptation of the recent Clash of the Titans remake. 

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